Blue Sapphires

Sapphire is one of the most celebrated and sought-after gemstones in the world. Yet for most people, the word sapphire instantly conjures the classic deep-blue stone. In reality, however, the colour palette of sapphires is far broader and more varied. Sapphires may be blue, yellow, green, violet, pink, orange and even raspberry red. There are also bi-colour and tri-colour sapphires, in which different hues combine simultaneously within a single stone. One may even encounter extraordinary specimens that unite yellow and blue within the same gem.

It is precisely these unusual hues and rare colour combinations that are held in the highest esteem by collectors and investors. Certain sapphire colours have become true icons of the world gemstone market. Among the most celebrated examples is the Padparadscha sapphire. It is arguably among the most rapidly appreciating sapphires in terms of value. Today, the price of fine Padparadscha sapphires is rising even faster than that of classic blue sapphires.

A remarkably wide range of hues is considered both beautiful and valuable. There exist, for instance, intensely raspberry-hued sapphires that occasionally give rise to debate among gemological laboratories. One laboratory may classify such a stone as a sapphire, while another designates it a ruby. This is hardly surprising, as sapphires and rubies belong to the same mineral family — corundum — and share identical chemical composition. The distinction between them is determined above all by colour.

Sapphires rank among the finest gemstones for everyday wear. They possess exceptional hardness, withstand the demands of daily life with ease, and retain their beauty for many years. This is precisely why sapphires are so prized for engagement rings and jewellery destined for everyday wear.

The presence of minor natural inclusions in sapphires is entirely normal. It goes without saying that the cleaner the stone, the greater its value. Perfectly clean specimens designated as eye-clean do exist, though they command a considerably higher price.

One of the most common and widely accepted methods of sapphire enhancement is heat treatment. Through heating, a stone's natural colour may be rendered more intense, deeper and more vivid. This process is regarded as entirely standard for sapphires and in no way diminishes their qualities. The colour achieved through heating remains stable and will never revert to its original state. If you are selecting a sapphire for a jewel intended for everyday wear, there is therefore no cause for concern regarding heat treatment.

It is important to note, however, that wholly unheated sapphires always command a higher value. This applies not only to sapphires but to all gemstones in general — a stone of beautiful colour that has undergone no treatment whatsoever is considered rarer and more precious. It is for this reason that collectors and investors seek out unheated sapphires above all. The Padparadscha colour, for example, is so rare and coveted that even heat-treated specimens command exceptionally strong demand on the world market.

There are other forms of sapphire treatment that are regarded as undesirable. These include filling with glass or polymers. In such cases, heavily damaged corundums with fractures and cavities are filled with glass in order to improve their appearance. Such stones hold no investment value and are used primarily in mass-market jewellery production.

Another method of treatment is diffusion — the surface colouring of a sapphire. To the eye, such stones may appear attractive; however, the colour resides only in the uppermost layer. Should such a sapphire be recut or reworked in the future, the surface layer may be compromised and the stone will lose its appearance.

One could speak of sapphires endlessly — for this gemstone is extraordinarily diverse and endlessly fascinating. Should you have any questions concerning the origin, colour, properties or value of sapphires, our gemmologist will always be delighted to advise you and help you select a truly exceptional and beautiful stone.